Is Wal-Mart going to be part of the BHCP transformation? We certainly hope so. Wal-Mart has been a wonderful anchor tenant for many years. We have had many good discussions with Wal-Mart over the past year about their role in the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza redevelopment.

Our draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) includes the addition of a new single-story anchor retail location. We have not yet reached an agreement with Wal-Mart for that site, but are hopeful that we will. Either way, we are moving forward with the EIR that includes this retail anchor site, and are confident that Wal-Mart will be part of the plans, either at the existing location or at the new single level pad.

Are the issues with Wal-Mart due to their proposed grocery component? At this time, we cannot delve into the details of our discussions with Wal-Mart.

I can say that we want what is best for the shopping center, and we will try our hardest to include Wal-Mart in our plans for BHCP’s future.

What are you doing to improve traffic in the Crenshaw District? The Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza plan includes numerous improvements and upgrades to key intersections and street segments in the Crenshaw District that will mitigate the project’s impacts and ease existing and future traffic flow.

New turn lanes, restriping, intersection widening and other improvements help will boost capacity in the area, while renovated sidewalks and walkways will make it easier for people to walk to the mall from surrounding areas.

Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza’s redesign will also serve as a catalyst for redevelopment and public transit in the region. Part of the 8.5-mile Metro Light Rail route, is planned to run along Crenshaw Boulevard through the Leimert Park area and include a stop at Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza. The project could begin construction in the 2012/2013 time frame, with a completion date within five years after construction starts. This is great news for the community.

How are you addressing crime? The safety of Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza visitors is our number one priority. We plan on implementing several measures that will ensure a safe and welcoming environment for people of all ages.

As we do now, we will have a City of Los Angeles police substation within the redeveloped mall as well as private security patrols continually monitoring the property. We also plan on installing safety lighting throughout the site – along the perimeter of the buildings, parking areas, in stairwells, along walkways and in open space areas.

Who are the investors in the project, and how will you secure financing for construction in this environment? The lead investor is Capri Capital. Headquartered in Chicago, Capri is a multi-billion dollar global real estate investment and development firm that seeks investment opportunities in underserved markets. The company purchased the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza property in 2005. Ken Lombard, a real estate expert and long-time Angeleno, is spearheading efforts on behalf of Capri.

It has taken longer than anticipated to get the EIR out the door. What caused the delay? We are working with the community to plan for a long-term transformation of this important 43-acre property.

We are developing a plan that reflects community priorities, and we anticipate the draft EIR will be released to the public in late summer or early fall this year.

How will you ensure there is enough time to comment on the EIR once it is released? Community members should have more than enough time to read and document their comments and concerns regarding the distributed EIR.

California CEQA law mandates a 45-day public comment period for all Environmental Impact Reports submitted for review. The Community Redevelopment Agency and Los Angeles will also host a number of public hearings, where you can submit your comments for the record.

Who are the potential retailers? Our goal is to attract top retailers to the transformed Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza that that will offer the amenities local residents have been asking for and fit with the unique character of the community.

Rave Motion Pictures has already stepped in as the new operator of the former Magic Johnson Theaters, which are being transformed into a state-of-the-art multiplex with stadium seating. The retail district will include cafés, sit down restaurants, large anchor tenants and many smaller stores including national brand name retailers and local businesses. The revitalized mall will continue to house many of the same service providers, including banks, a post office, etc., that have made it such an important community center for the Crenshaw District.

When will you break ground? First the project needs to be approved by the Community Redevelopment Agency and the City Council. We anticipate the proposed project will be considered for approval in mid 2012.

What kind of homes are you planning to build? The homes in the north and south corners of the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza redevelopment project are planned to be constructed in the final phase of the build-out period.

The collection of condominiums and apartments will feature a variety of architectural styles to create an eclectic living environment for residents. The residential portion of BHCP will also include neighborhood retail and a local supermarket, which will help promote a tight-knit community setting while reducing reliance on cars.

What is the community getting from this project? The BHCP transformation is projected to create thousands of new local construction and permanent jobs, provide hundreds of millions of dollars in direct investment for the Crenshaw District and contribute vital tax revenues for the region to support firefighters, policemen and other crucial City services.

All sales taxes generated at BHCP will be reinvested in the community. The redeveloped mall will include new stores, theaters, restaurants and design elements that celebrate open space, walking and an overall lifestyle experience. Tree-lined sidewalks and pathways, a public transit center and re-connecting Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza to Crenshaw Boulevard are all part of the planned transformation.

Why should I support this project? This plan brings substantial benefits to the City, including:

a beautiful new retail center that will rival any retail center in Southern California; open, green space for the community to enjoy; significant transportation investments; beautiful new homes for owners of various ages and incomes; the creation of thousands of jobs through the construction and operation of Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza; and the establishment of a new annual stream of public revenue to support local expenditures like police and fire protection. We are confident this plan will meet the community’s priorities and exceed its expectations.